Introduction
Bob
Carver is one of the most recognizable names in audio and now in home
theater. His Sunfire project has produced an impressive list of highly
successful AV products ranging from Sunfire’s groundbreaking (and
rumbling) True Subwoofer and their great AV preamp to a full line of
two and five amplification. The Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature is the
latest offering from Carver as a reference-grade five-channel
amplifier, priced at $3,495.
The Signature moniker is
given to the top of the line Sunfire products. It represents more than
just marketing lip service. Signature products are physically inspected
and hand signed by Carver himself. Each Cinema Grand Signature is rated
at a beefy 405 watts per channel times five channels. The power ratings
go through the ceiling when impedance drops to four or two ohms.
This amp has two sets of speaker outputs for each of its five channels.
Voltage Output is the most dynamic of the ...

Introduction
The
KAV-1500 is Krell’s $8,500 powerhouse five-channel amplifier, which
delivers 300 watts per channel into eight ohms (600 watts into four
ohms). Housed in the standard-size chassis are two massive two kVA
toroidal power supplies with 14 proprietary Krell transistors per
channel to ensure the highest level of musical accuracy.
The KAV-1500 provides both balanced and single-ended inputs for maximum
system compatibility. The most unique feature of this amplifier is
Multiple Amplifier Throughput (MAT), which sends the same musical
signal to all amplifier channels using only one of the balanced or
single-ended connections, thereby reducing installation complexity with
multiple amplifier systems. Individual channels can be bridged as well.
In fact, bridging up to four channels produces a whopping 1,100 watts.
To make changes to the amplifier’s configuration, such as bridging
channels or setting it for MAT, it is necessary to remove the top of
the unit and use the supplied jumper cables to create new ...

Introduction
While many amplifier manufacturers continue to only think about stereo,
Cinepro knows the future is multi-channel sound. The six-channel 3K6se
amplifier was designed expressly for the demands of 5.1 digital audio
sources--such as DVD and Laserdiscs encoded with Dolby Digital and DTS.
Digitally
encoded movies require amplification that can maintain a wide dynamic
range without distortion; and whereas dialogue normally requires an
average of 5-10 watts, key action scenes (such as the White House
explosion in "Independence Day") peaked close to 750 watts for brief
bursts in Cinepro's extensive tests. To accommodate this range of
levels, the 3K6se is capable of generating a peak output of 1 kilowatt
per channel (4 ohms).
The
inputs and outputs are divided into three two-channel groups (front LR,
center/sub, rear LR). Each group can also be converted from two to one
channel (bridged mono). In the multi-channel mode, the 3K6se is rated
at 375 watts per channel into 8 ohms ...

Introduction
The
Outlaw Audio Model 750 is the first product from a new and different
audio company. Outlaw Audio products can only be bought from the
manufacturer, eliminating distributors, dealers and their associated
mark-ups. This allows the Model 750 to sell for the competitive price
of $1,099.
With the Model 750, you get a lot for your
money. The 750 provides 165 watts in each of its five channels. A
1.5kVA toroidal transformer feeds the individual channel power
supplies. The power supplies for each channel are isolated and contain
two secondary windings, 20,000 microfarads capacitance, six discrete
output devices and large heatsinks, eliminating the need for a noisy
fan.
The front panel has a button for power and the Outlaw Audio logo. The
rear panel has five sets of inputs of unbalanced inputs and five-way
binding posts, a captive power cord and a 12-volt trigger input to
automatically power up the unit.
The Sound
The Model 750 did not ...

Introduction
Home theater is clearly the driving force behind the high end audio
video market. However, very few music and film enthusiasts are willing
to sacrifice pure music playback in order to enjoy the addictive sizzle
of home theater. We want the best of both worlds. Enter the Proceed AMP
5. With Proceed being the little brother to the two-channel giant Mark
Levinson, the AMP 5 shares many of the advantages and design cues found
on the more pricey Levinson gear, while being nicely packaged for
multi-channel use.
The Proceed AMP 5 is a five-channel, single chassis THX-certified,
power amplifier rated at 125 watts x 5 into 8 ohms and 250 watts x 5
into 4 ohms. Priced at $4995, the AMP 5 is the perfect partner for
Proceed's AV preamp, the AVP, also priced at $4995. The Proceed AMP 5
accepts both balanced and unbalanced signals, changeable by the flip of
a switch. ...